Succulents are drought-tolerant plants beloved for their ability to thrive in tough conditions. They store moisture in their leaves, stems, and roots, allowing them to survive for prolonged periods without being watered. When given ample sunlight these plants will thrive outside in your garden or indoors in containers.
One downside of succulents, however, is that they can be slow growers. If you want to experience their beauty in your landscape or on your windowsill now, we’re here to help. We spoke to gardening experts who shared their favorite fast-growing succulents.
Echeveria Perle von Nurnburg
Getty Images
A beautiful subtropical succulent, Echeveria Perle von Nurnberg (Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’) features purple-tinted leaves and a rosette-like form, says Justin Hancock, horticulturist for Costa Farms. It looks incredible as a houseplant displayed on a sunny windowsill. “Given good light, it’s a relatively quick grower,” says Hancock. Water once the pot starts to dry out.
- Zones: 9 to 11
- Size: 1 to 12 inches tall x 2 to 12 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil
Agave
Stefania D’Alessandro / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Agave plants (Agave spp.) thrive in harsh conditions. “Most grow in climates that are dry, rocky, and warm,” says Adrienne Roethling, plant expert and former garden director for Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. “In their native habitat, they grow wild in higher mountainous regions where night temperatures fall below freezing.” These plants don’t like wet, cold winters, so be mindful if growing in an area that experiences prolonged cold periods.
- Zones: 7 to 10; 6 for hardier species
- Size: 1 to 10 feet tall x 1 to 15 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; average to compost-rich, well-drained soil
Florist Kalanchoe
Getty Images
Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe spp.) is a genus of tropical succulents that are known for being easy to grow and tough as nails. One popular, fast-growing variety is florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana). “It’s a tropical plant with clear green leaves and tight clusters of colorful flowers,” says Roethling. “The flowers stand well above the leaves and come in colors of red, yellow, orange, and pink.” They make a terrific container plant, blooming from winter to spring.
- Zones: 10 or higher
- Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 18 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
Sedum
Malorny/Getty Images
Sedum (Hylotelephium ssp), also known as stonecrop, is a genus of flowering succulents that grow well in a variety of conditions. Hardy varieties will survive below-freezing temperatures during their dormant state, says Roethling.
- Zones: 3 to 9
- Size: 3 inches tall x 5 feet wide, depending on the species
- Care requirements: Full sun; average to compost-rich, dry soil
Sedum ‘Angelina’
Getty Images
A popular sedum variety, ‘Angelina’ is a wonderful ground cover that offers multiple seasons of beauty, says Roethling. “Plants are evergreen further south and in winter, expect them to take on a nice burnt orange hue,” she says. “Flowers are star-shaped and bloom in spring; however, they are masked by the gold leaves.”
- Zones: 5 to 9
- Size: 4 to 6 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; average to compost-rich, dry soil
Panda Plant
Getty Images
As adorable as it sounds, the panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) has fuzzy gray-green leaves with black-brown spots. “This subtropical succulent can grow relatively quickly given the right environment, making it an enjoyable and rewarding plant,” says Hancock. Give it plenty of light and water once the soil starts to dry out.
- Zones: 9 to 11
- Size: 1 to 36 inches tall x 24 to 36 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; well-drain soil
Hens and Chicks
Getty Images
Another fast-growing succulent, hens and chicks (Sempervivum) have been around for centuries. The common name is an homage to the growth pattern—one big succulent (hen) produces many smaller succulents (chicks). “At first, the hen will grow to maturity while the chicks begin growing from the root mass,” says Roethling. “They grow to become hens and the cycle continues.”
- Zones: 4 to 8
- Size: 6 to 12 inches tall x 6 to 18 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
Hardy Iceplant
shihina / Getty Images
Hardy iceplant (Delosperma cooperi) is a wonderful plant for hot, dry, and sunny locations. It is a safe alternative to another iceplant that is very invasive, Carpobrotus edulis. Hardy iceplant is a low-maintenance plant and requires very little water once established, says Roethling. It’s a low-growing ground cover that spreads up to 2 feet. It flowers from late spring through summer, adding seasons of color to your landscape. In warmer climates, it may remain evergreen through winter, says Roethling.
- Zones: 6 to 10
- Size: 3 to 6 inches tall x 1 to 2 feet wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
Mother of Millions
Getty Images
Mother of millions (Kalanchoe delagoensis) gets a lot of attention in the plant community because it’s a prolific performer and has a unique appearance. “Grey stems produce narrow grey leaves. Each leaf is marked with dark purple horizontal streaks on the edge,” says Roethling. “These streaks look like ribs and when they mature, produce a bud to begin a new plant.” It can spread aggressively, so plant with caution or grow it in a container.
- Zones: 6 to 10
- Size: 1 to 48 inches tall x 1 to 12 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
Flapjack Kalanchoe
Getty Images
Another fast-growing kalanchoe variety, flapjack kalanchoe (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora) boasts large, narrow leaves that are stacked like pancakes, hence the name. “Eventually, from the center of the leaf mass, a stalk will emerge and the leaves fan out all around,” says Roethling. “The flowering stalk will reach 2 to 3 feet tall and produce white to yellow tubular flowers.”
- Zones: 10 or higher
- Size: 12 to 30 inches tall x 6 to 8 inches wide
- Care requirements: Full sun; average, well-drained soil
